BLOUNTVILLE — Based on comments made by county commissioners Tuesday night, a $1 million-plus settlement offer might be in the works for Sheriff Wayne Anderson’s lawsuit seeking more money from Sullivan County for funding the public safety concerns under his charge, such as patrol, investigation and operation of the county’s oft crowded jail.

Lawyers for both sides have been meeting with Anderson, County Mayor Steve Godsey and staff from the sheriff’s office to try to reach a settlement in mediation rather than going to trial.

Godsey, as county mayor, is listed as the defendant in the lawsuit — and state law gives him the authority to agree to a settlement.